Hey everyone! Enjoying your time in Sapporo? As a Sapporo local of 40 years, today I’m going to share a fantastic day trip plan that lets you venture out a bit. We’re heading to the Shiraoi area, where you can experience Ainu culture; Noboribetsu, a hot spring town Unterschiede with incredible power; and Muroran, a city आकर्षण with dynamic scenery.
This area, easily accessible as a day trip from Sapporo, is like a concentrated taste of Hokkaido’s diverse charms. Nature, culture, and cuisine – I’m sure it’ll make your trip even richer. So, let’s embark on a journey of discovery together!
Getting There from Sapporo: Hands Down, a Road Trip by Rental Car is Best!
First off, when it comes to getting to this area from Sapporo, I wholeheartedly recommend renting a car.
If you want to explore various places at your own pace without worrying about time, a rental car is unbeatable. It’s especially convenient for families and groups, and honestly, driving through Hokkaido’s vast landscapes is a fantastic activity in itself!
Using the expressway, it’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Sapporo to the Shiraoi and Noboribetsu area. Muroran is a bit further, but the freedom to take breaks at service areas, or make a detour if you spot an interesting view, is the real joy of a rental car.
However, be aware that during the winter months (around November to April), you’ll be driving on snowy roads. If you’re not used to winter driving, please be extra cautious. Winter tires are a must, and it’s crucial to plan with plenty of time.
Shiraoi Area: A Soul-Stirring Encounter with Ainu Culture
First up is the Shiraoi area. This is a precious place where you can connect with the culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan.
A Moving Experience at Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)
When you think of Shiraoi, “Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)” Upopoy Official Website is what comes to mind. It’s a national facility established as a center for the revitalization and creation of Ainu culture, offering various ways to experience Ainu history and traditions.
You know, Upopoy has incredibly beautiful and impressive buildings housing detailed introductions to Ainu culture and shops selling lovely souvenirs. In the outdoor area, traditional “cise” (houses) are recreated, allowing you to directly interact with Ainu crafts and get a glimpse into their way of life. Performances of traditional arts, ancient Ainu dances, and mukkuri (mouth harp) recitals are truly captivating.
Now, for a bit of local honesty. Upopoy is an invaluable place to learn about Hokkaido’s Ainu culture. But, to be frank, quite a few locals I know feel that “one visit is probably enough.” Perhaps it’s because it’s more of a place for deep learning and understanding of Ainu culture, rather than an entertainment facility you’d revisit many times. Nevertheless, for anyone interested in Ainu culture, it’s undeniably a place that offers a profound and memorable experience.
The park is quite spacious, so comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. Also, it gets quite busy with domestic and international tourists, especially on weekends and long holidays. If you want to explore thoroughly or participate in hands-on programs, aiming for right after opening or visiting on a weekday if possible is a good strategy. Some programs require advance booking, so checking the official website for information and planning ahead will save you from any last-minute rushes.
Noboribetsu Area: A Hot Spring Haven and Charming Theme Parks with Earth’s Energy
Next is the Noboribetsu area. It’s renowned as one of Hokkaido’s leading hot spring resorts, but there are plenty of other enjoyable spots besides the onsen.
The Overwhelming Power of Noboribetsu Hell Valley
The symbol of Noboribetsu is undoubtedly “Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley).” This is a geothermal crater formed by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hiyori, with countless hot spring sources and fumaroles lining the valley, steam billowing up continuously. Walking trails are well-maintained, allowing you to experience its power up close.
The air is thick with the smell of sulfur, creating a desolate landscape that truly feels like “hell,” but it’s this very scene that makes you appreciate the immense power of nature.
Hell Valley does have a pretty strong sulfur smell, so if you’re sensitive to odors, it might be a bit much. But the unique scenery and the powerful feeling of the earth’s vitality are special experiences you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Indulge in Onsen Hopping in Noboribetsu Onsen
The allure of Noboribetsu Onsen is its incredible variety of spring qualities! There are as many as nine different types, including sulfur springs, salt springs, iron springs, and radium springs. It’s sometimes called an “onsen department store.”
Many facilities offer day-use bathing, so you can easily enjoy the hot springs. Trying out a few different spring types could be interesting. Check the websites of individual ryokans or the Noboribetsu Tourist Association website Noboribetsu Tourist Association Official Website (English available) for information.
Fees and opening hours vary by facility, so it’s wise to check these detalles in advance.
Noboribetsu Bear Park is Popular Too
If you have time, a visit to “Noboribetsu Bear Park” Noboribetsu Bear Park Official Website is also a good idea. A ropeway takes you to the mountaintop, where many brown bears will greet you. You can feed the bears snacks and see their powerful presence up close.
Travel Back in Time to the Edo Period at Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
Beyond the hot springs, “Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (Edo Wonderland)” Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Official Website (English available) offers another facet of Noboribetsu’s charm. It’s a theme park recreating the streets and culture of the Edo period, where you can enjoy thrilling performances like ninja shows and oiran (courtesan) processions. I have fond memories of how incredibly cool the ninja performers were when I was younger. Renting samurai or town girl costumes and strolling around like a character from a period drama can also be fun.
Oh, and this might be a bit of a Japanese-centric tidbit, sorry about that (lol), but kids from Sapporo often visit here on school trips and buy wooden swords as souvenirs. It brings back some nostalgic memories.
Be Soothed by Marine Life at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
Another spot recommended for families and couples is “Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe” Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe Official Website (Japanese). This aquarium, themed around Nordic romance and marine fantasy, features an impressive building modeled after a real castle in Denmark. There are plenty of highlights, including dolphin shows, sea lion shows, and penguin parades. Being mostly an indoor facility, it’s a great place to enjoy regardless of the weather. (The official website seems to be in Japanese only, so try using your browser’s translation feature.)
Muroran Area: Dynamic Scenery and the Charm of an Iron Town
Lastly, we head to the Muroran area. This is a somewhat unique place that combines its identity as an industrial city with beautiful natural landscapes.
Breathtaking Views from Cape Chikyu
A must-visit spot in Muroran is “Cape Chikyu (Cape Earth).” It’s a lighthouse perched on a sheer cliff jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. As its name suggests, the horizon appears curved from here, leading people to say you can “feel the roundness of the Earth.” On a clear day, the view is truly breathtaking. Sunset here is especially romantic and fantastic.
The Beautiful Silhouette and Hidden Technology of Hakucho Bridge
The “Hakucho Bridge,” spanning Muroran Port, is another iconic Muroran landmark. It’s the largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan, and its elegant form truly resembles a swan spreading its wings. I’ve heard that this bridge actually uses some rare technology for Japan, and that university professors even use it for research. Technicalities aside, the bridge itself is massive, and the views while crossing it are wonderful, so if you’re going to Muroran, I highly recommend driving over it at least once. It looks great against the blue sky during the day, and at night, it’s lit up for a romantic atmosphere.
Muroran Factory Nightscape is Unmissable (But Tough on a Day Trip…)
Muroran is also known as an “iron town,” and at night, the steelworks and other factory complexes are illuminated, creating a fantastical “factory nightscape.” It’s truly beautiful and worth seeing.
However, for a day trip, seeing the night view might be a bit tight 시간wise. If you’re interested, perhaps consider an overnight stay someday and join a night view tour. You might find information on the Muroran Tourism Association website Muroran Tourism Association Official Website (Japanese) – try using your browser’s translation feature to check it out.
Savor the Local Delicacy “Muroran Yakitori”!
When in Muroran, you absolutely have to try the local specialty, “Muroran Yakitori.” Unlike regular yakitori, it features pork and onions skewered, grilled, and eaten with a dab of Western-style mustard. The combination of the sweet and savory tare sauce, pork, and onions is outstanding and guaranteed to make your beer go down well!
And here’s another piece of local insight. You know, with Muroran yakitori, the taste of the sauce, the grilling technique, and even the cuts of pork used can subtly differ from shop to shop, so trying a few can be fun. Places popular with locals are, unsurprisingly, usually delicious. If you’re wondering where to go, a well-known and beloved spot is “Yakitori Ippei.” It’s worth doing a little research beforehand to find your favorite.
Sample Day Trip Itineraries (Just Examples!)
- The “See-It-All” Course: Sapporo → Shiraoi (Experience Ainu culture at Upopoy) → Noboribetsu (Stroll through Hell Valley, if time permits, choose one: Date Jidaimura or Marine Park Nixe) → Muroran (Enjoy the view from Cape Chikyu, cross Hakucho Bridge, and finish with Muroran Yakitori) → Sapporo
- The “Onsen & Theme Park Fun” Course: Sapporo → Noboribetsu (Hell Valley, onsen, and thoroughly enjoy Date Jidaimura and Marine Park Nixe) → Sapporo
These are just examples, so feel free to arrange them according to your interests and energy levels. With a rental car, the charm lies in being able to spontaneously stop at any interesting places you find along the way.
A Few Travel Tips
- What to Wear: In Hokkaido, even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and the weather can change quickly, so bringing an extra layer is a good idea. In winter, of course, full cold-weather gear is essential.
- Food: Each area has plenty of delicious local specialties you can only find there. Researching in advance is good, but discovering new tastes at a randomly chosen eatery is also part of the fun of traveling.
- Travel Time: It’s important to plan a realistic itinerary, considering travel times between attractions. Especially if you’re renting a car, make sure to factor in proper rest breaks.
Wrapping Up
So, what did you think? Just a short trip from Sapporo, and you can encounter such diverse attractions. The Ainu culture of Shiraoi, the dynamic hot springs and fun theme parks of Noboribetsu, and the beautiful scenery and industrial atmosphere of Muroran. Each place is unique and is sure to create lasting memories of your trip.
As a local, I’d be thrilled if you all experience the wonders of this area and come to love Hokkaido even more. Stay safe, and make the best memories!
